Ralph Hunter "Flip" Cuthbertson Jr.

Ralph Hunter “Flip” Cuthbertson Jr., a devoted father, former naval aviator, and longtime figure in the aviation world, passed away peacefully on June 18th in Boca Raton, FL, leaving behind a life defined by integrity, humor, and a fierce authenticity that earned the respect of all who knew him.

Flip spent his childhood in the Dunean Mill community near Greenville, SC. He maintained many friendships from that community his entire life and even continued to go to the barber shop there for his signature haircut. He loved waterskiing on Saluda Lake in Easley, SC where he was competitive at jump and slalom skiing.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina, he proudly served as a U.S. Naval aviator from 1967 to 1972, flying with precision and purpose. Following his military service, he embarked on a career with Stevens Aviation in Greenville, South Carolina—a company founded by his father and mother. There, he became a fixture in the world of aircraft sales, known for his deep knowledge, steady hand, and loyalty to both clients and colleagues.

Whether working with a new pilot or closing a high-stakes sale, Flip brought honesty and clarity to every conversation. He was a consummate professional in a changing industry, someone whose word carried weight and whose guidance was trusted by generations of aviators.

To those who knew him well, Flip was more than a skilled aviator—he was unforgettable. He had a sharp, dry wit and a tendency to say exactly what he thought, with a bluntness so pure it could stop people in their tracks. And yet, that same honesty is what made him so beloved. He never pretended to be anything he wasn’t. What you saw was exactly who he was—no pretense, no performance.

Friends and family could count on Flip to tell it like it is, to cut through noise and nonsense, and to find humor in the everyday. He was fiercely independent, deeply principled, and unmistakably genuine.

Flip is survived by his children—his son, Hunter Cuthbertson III (Danielle); and his daughters, Mary Peck (Mike) and Katy Weaver (Dan). He is also survived by his brother, Herb Cuthbertson (Nancy); sister, Annabeth Crosby; cousin, Dick McCaskill (Kathy); and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.

A memorial will be held by the family on July 19th - please contact the family if you would like details. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a veterans’ organization, aviation scholarship fund or YMCA Camp Greenville. Or simply do what Flip would: be real, be generous, and speak the truth.

He was one of a kind—and he will be sorely missed.